The precise answer depends to a large extent on storage conditions - to maximize the shelf life of opened sour cream, keep it refrigerated at all times. To maximize the shelf life of sour cream after opening, keep refrigerated and tightly covered, either in the original packaging or in an airtight container. Properly stored, an opened package of sour cream will generally last for about two weeks after opening, assuming it has been continuously refrigerated.
Definition of cauterize for English Language Learners medical: to burn (something, such as a wound) with heat or a chemical substance in order to destroy infected tissue Medical Dictionary
transitive verb. 1 : to sear with a cautery or caustic cauterize a wound. 2 : to make insensible : deaden They will do anything to stay in office; their consciences have been cauterized.